Cabinet briefing at the Royal Palace

The King and Crown Princess at the cabinet briefing; Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt is seated on the Crown Princess' right. Photo: Kungahuset.se.

A cabinet briefing was held at the Royal Palace of Stockholm on Tuesday 14 February.

Every year, 3-4 cabinet briefings are held at the Palace. The King chairs the briefings and The Crown Princess also participates.

According to the Swedish Constitution Act of 1974, the Prime Minister is responsible for keeping the head of state informed regarding matters of importance to the nation. It is formally The King who summons the government to the briefing, but the decision is made in consultation with the Prime Minister.

During the briefing, each minister present provides information about political initiatives, investigations and current legislation within their respective departments, and answers questions from The King and Crown Princess.

In addition to the cabinet briefings there is also a change of government cabinet meeting, which takes place when the Swedish Parliament (riksdag) has chosen a new Prime Minister. When the Prime Minister has presented the ministers who are to be part of the new government, The King meets with the new government and the Speaker of the Riksdag. This change of government cabinet meeting marks the new government formally taking up office.